Tesla Model Y may be delayed again in Australia
Three years after its international reveal, the world's best-selling electric SUV may have been delayed for a second time in Australia.
Australian deliveries of the Tesla Model Y may have been pushed back a second time, with the brand’s factories in China reportedly grinding to a halt amid the latest COVID outbreak.
Earlier this year local pricing for the electric SUV was leaked via an industry database, and well-sourced outlets suggested order books were just weeks from opening.
However, according to Reuters the Shanghai production facility building Australian cars has since been forced to slam the brakes due to supply shortages triggered by new lockdowns.
A leaked internal memo reportedly shows Tesla currently has capacity to build just 200 cars daily, and did not export a single vehicle from China last month.
For reference, in March 2022 the company claimed to have built 65,814 cars in Shanghai – representing a month-on-month decline of more than 90 per cent.
It remains unclear when the Tesla Model Y will go on sale in Australia, or if the previously-reported entry-level price of $67,990 before on-road costs will be retained.
Tesla in Australia was contacted for comment on the delays, and this story will be updated if more information becomes available.
Drive understands the the Model Y had originally been lined up to go on sale locally in November 2021, before unknown factors caused the brand to push back the car's launch.